Platner Ends Senate Bid
Platner exited Maine's Senate race after sexual assault allegations sparked party turmoil.
July 12, 2026 · Updated Jul 12, 8:20pm ET
Boston GlobeGraham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race, kicking off Democrats’ quest for nominee
ABC NewsWho will replace Platner on the Maine ballot? These Democrats are raising their hands
FOX NewsRo Khanna regrets his past support of Graham Platner after latest sexual assault allegation
The GuardianPlatner’s collapse doesn’t mean we should reject outsiders in politics | Bhaskar Sunkara
The Free PressDitching Platner May Not Be a Win for Democrats
TownhallRo Khanna Can't Be Serious About This Statement on Graham Platner...Right?
New York MagazinePlatner Is Circling the Drain, But Will He Drop Out? Live Updates-1024x683.jpg "Photo: Liberty Nation")
Liberty NationFrom the Back Forty: Platner May Be Gone, but the Memories Remain
The AtlanticCan Democrats Salvage Their Chances in Maine?
The American ConservativePlatner’s Fatal Dependence on Party Elites
Washington MonthlyThe Platner Collapse Is a Cautionary Tale About Polling
Hot AirFriday's Final Word
SlateThree People to Blame for the Graham Platner Disaster
PJ MediaJohn Fetterman Says Bernie Sanders Should Apologize for Graham Platner
Raw Story'My goodness gracious!' Data guru floored as Democrats build momentum in key race
MS NOWMaine Democrats seek a Platner-like change agent — ‘without the baggage’
Daily BeastDem Star Officially Ends Senate Bid After Sex Assault Claim
New RepublicThe Race to Replace Graham Platner Is Heating Up
Daily KosIn condemning Platner, GOP ignores the elephant in the White House
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Left · 11
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Center · 3
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Right · 12
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Graham Platner
Graham PlatnerAmerican oyster farmer, harbormaster, and political candidate (born 1984) submitted paperwork to Maine’s secretary of state on Friday to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race, ending his Democratic nomination after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault in 2021; he denies the allegation. Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and veteran, had been the Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins
Susan CollinsUnited States Senator from Maine since 1997. Maine Democrats are preparing a replacement process, including a possible nominating convention, as prospective candidates begin seeking the ballot. The collapse triggered a rapid loss of endorsements, and Rep. Ro Khanna
Ro KhannaU.S. Representative from California said he regrets backing Platner.
Maine Senate Race
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Jul 19Platner Nomination FightMostly Right
- Jul 17Platner Vote ShiftsMostly Right
- Jul 12Platner Ends Senate Bid (this story)Balanced
- Jul 10Platner Withdraws RaceLeans Right
- Jul 9Platner Withdraws CampaignBalanced
